[Latin Post Spotlight] Esteman: Breaking the Mold With His Eccentric Artistry

In 2009, Esteman's song "No te metas a mi Facebook" ("Don't mess with my Facebook") became a viral hit. Its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and relatable lyrics appealed to many Latino and Hispanic audiences. It became so huge that his music label at that time wanted him to record the song in different languages. He refused and said no because Esteman did not want to be defined by just one song.

Good thing he did. Otherwise, we might not get to know what this talented Colombian artist had under his sleeves... and he, for sure, has so much more to offer.

Who Is Esteman?

Born Esteban Mateus Williamson in Bogota, Colombia, Esteman had always been inclined to various forms of arts - singing, song-writing, dancing, and even visual arts. As a little boy, he would imagine himself being a star, a performer.

"Everytime, when I came back from school, I remember like seeing my mirror, or the living room's sofa as a scenario... you know, a stage to perform," Esteman shared during an exclusive interview with Latin Post.

When he was studying at the university, he started an artistic project called Esteman, an alter-ego to cater to his overwhelmingly artistic side. He would, later on, carry the name, Esteman, when he started his professional career as a singer in 2008.

In 2009, he became widely popular in Colombia after his viral hit, "No te metas a mi Facebook." His debut album, 1er Acto, was released three years later in 2012.

Early in his career, Esteman had captivated not just his audience. He also earned the nod of music critics as he garnered two nominations in the Latin Grammy Awards 2016: Best New Artist and Best Alternative Album for his sophomore album, Caótica Belleza.

For Esteman, his third album, Amor Libre, is special as this was when he became more open to his fans about his personal life - a process which he said was pivotal to his career as well.

"When I came out of the closet, there was an after and a before, in that moment for me, in my career as an artist," Esteman opens up.

"Suddenly, like I was telling stories, doing my music videos, and engaging with my fans without a filter, in a more genuine way... That's when the numbers and everything started to grow in a way," he explained.

Esteman's latest album, Si Volviera a Nacer, was released last month and features collaborations with various artists.

Break the Mold, Be Yourself

From his physique, to his fashion sense, to his music, Esteman admits he does not fit the mold most of the time. Though that can be challenging, for him, being different is beautiful as long as you stay true to yourself.

Esteman admits he had received "terrible advices from some people in the industry."

"I remember people telling me that 'You have to sing, or you have to write more songs like this artist, this Colombian artist because he's really huge," Esteman shared.

"I'm like 'No. I'm not like him and there's already him... Why do you have to follow a formula that already exists," he insisted.

At present, Esteman is under Universal Music, which he said appreciates and supports his eccentricity and uniqueness.

Esteman hopes to use the power of his music to inspire other people and spark positive change in society.

The Playlist of My Life: Esteman on Deezer Podcast

Esteman told Latin Post that he cannot wait to perform live again and meet his fans once everything goes back to normal. However, the global pandemic does not stop him from doing projects for his audience, including shooting a new music video and writing songs for his fifth album.

Another one of his most recent projects is his collaboration with the audio streaming platform Deezer, for his original podcast called La Playlist de mi Vida ("The Playlist of My Life"). As the title suggests, the podcast will allow listeners to know him deeper -- both as an artist and as a person.

"They're going to know who Esteban is behind Esteman; I have gathered the memories of my childhood and with which I started my career, and also the artists who have influenced my career. I have selected some songs that have been my favorites," the Colombian artist shared with Deezer.

During the pilot episode where he talks to the host, Daniela De Giacomo, Esteman opens his "playlist" with his song "Juan y Paul," featuring the Argentine electropop band Miranda!, who are among his list of musical influences.

Esteman's podcast, "The Playlist of My Life," is available exclusively on Deezer.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Beau West

WATCH: Extraños (Acústico) - from YouTube/Esteman